In Their Own Words

Forensic AnalystsIn Their Own Words

Can you describe a memorable case for us?

“An individual was stealing money that was in transit from banks to ATMs…I was able to prove that over $1 million had been deposited across 20 bank accounts that was used for personal gain…after presenting the evidence I had to the defense attorney, the subject pled guilty.”

- Forensic Accountant (FoA), New Haven

“A joint investigation between the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Army Criminal Investigation Command involving contract fraud, bribery, and kickbacks. What made this case so memorable was the level of cooperation. It was a true team effort—no agency conflicts.”

- FoA, FBI Headquarters

“An individual perpetrating a Ponzi scheme opened a ‘virtual office’ [when office space and conference rooms are shared with other companies for a nominal monthly fee] with a prestigious Wall Street address…When he wanted to meet with a potential client/victim in person, he would set up the office space as his own, with a company logo, a secretary, and light refreshments.”

- FoA, Philadelphia

“The Forensic Accountant Support Team assisted on a large health care fraud case where the owners of a health care company orchestrated a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme…the three owners were sentenced to the longest prison sentences ever imposed in a Medicare Fraud Strike Force case—one defendant got 50 years, the other two got 35 years.”

- FoA, FBI Headquarters

“While working a contract fraud case, I had prepared an association and cash flow chart that visually depicted the crime. The case agent brought me in to assist with interviewing the main subject…I unrolled my chart and asked the subject to explain how the activities on the chart did not constitute a crime…He began cooperating shortly afterward and eventually pled guilty.”

- FoA, Washington, D.C.

How do financial accountants contribute to the FBI’s mission?

“I’m able to analyze financial data in white-collar, terrorism, counterintelligence, and cyber crime cases. And in particular, I was imbedded in a Joint Terrorism Task Force and used financial records to follow the sources and uses of funds…In many instances, items in the financial records will identify a fact of the case that was not previously known.”

- FoA, New Haven

“I’ve worked health care fraud since 2002, and while victims of these cases are presumed to be the insurance companies and government entities, to me the true victims are the patients themselves…Some of their medical histories may have been altered with falsified information…I feel my part in assisting taking these criminals down will save patients hassles in the future.”

- FoA, Houston

“Almost every investigative matter the Bureau is involved in has a financial nexus—it’s always about money. The forensic accountant can serve as a consultant/advisor to agents on financial and economic matters, assist in interviews—especially those involving financial aspects—and assist in identifying key records for subpoena requests or search warrants.”

- FoA, FBI Headquarters

“I help both agents and U.S. attorneys build the financial portion of a case against all kinds of criminals and prove it in court.”

- FoA, Philadelphia

“Financial incentive is the motivation behind many crimes…I gather and analyze financial records and create a picture of what the numbers reveal.”